Thunderstorm Wind in Berks County, Pennsylvania

A severe thunderstorm damaged the second and third floors as well as the roof of a toothbrush manufacturing plant in Kutztown. The roof and part of the third story wall of the plant were partially knocked down. The main stairwell in the plant was also destroyed. Elsewhere a Chinese Restaurant in the borough lost its display sign. Several trees and lines were knocked down on and around Main Street. Tree debris covered one playground set. About 5,000 homes and businesses in the area lost power.

A severe thunderstorm toppled more than one hundred trees and damaged buildings in Boyertown. A few homes were damaged by downed trees. Two buildings on the 100 block of East Philadelphia Avenue were damaged. There were about twenty weather related calls in the borough. Residents were evacuated from both buildings after bricks were scattered across the alley between them. Both roofs were damaged as well as the exterior wall and chimney of one of the buildings. One building was closed until repairs were made. On another block of East Philadelphia Avenue, a downed tree damaged a roof and a vehicle. Numerous trees were knocked down on Third Street (making it impassable), Fourth Street and Fifth Street as well within the Boyertown Community Park. At the park, a dugout pavilion rolled over onto its roof and damaged a fence. About 1,300 homes and businesses lost power. Power was not fully restored until the 20th. Property damage in the borough was estimated at $500,000. No injuries were reported.

The first severe thunderstorm of the evening to affect Berks County caused widespread tree damage in the southeast part of the county. Scores of trees were knocked down. The worst reported damage was in Amity Township. About thirty homes were damaged, two were destroyed by fallen trees and resulted in the displacement of those two families. About 80 other people were displaced temporarily. Many trees were knocked down along Levengood Road and County Routes 562 and 662 in the township. Downed trees and poles blocked and closed County Route 562. In Douglas Township, the Manatawny Winery was damaged. A pheasant farm near Yellow House was damaged. Wires were knocked down throughout the township. In Boyertown, a tent was overturned. Numerous trees were also knocked down in Oley and Earl Townships. About 2,800 homes and businesses lost power in the county because of the series of severe thunderstorms. No injuries were reported.